Posted 23/03/2014 - Christopher Baldwin

A record field of 101 riders took the line for the opening round of the Women’s Team Series with victory going to Laura Massey (Epic Cycles-Scott Contessa WRT) after an hour of impressive racing on the Hog Hill circuit.

Cambridge-based Massey, 32, sprinted clear of Mathilda Pauls (Fusion RT) and 16-year-old Grace Garner (RST Racing Team) on the climb to the finish after the three had opened a gap over a group which grew to around around 40 riders in the closing stages.

Fourth place went to Merce Pacios (Puijado Zappi’s RT) with 88 finishers.

Massey was in an initial break of three riders who went clear going into the second half of the race and, joined by a chasing group with two laps to go, attacked again and spent half a lap off the front before Pauls and Garner bridged the gap.

“We’re a new team and it’s great to get off the mark so early,” said the winner. “There were lots of strong individuals in the field and as it the first race of the season everyone was keen to impress.

“The rest of the team marshalled the bunch, countering any moves, and it was a strong team performance.

“The National Series and Tour Series are our main target for the season. Personally, I’m gaining race experience now, I think I’ve been strong before but now I’m riding as part of a team with a plan it’s given me more confidence. I’m quite excited now.”

The elite men’s race came down to a two-man sprint after 75 minutes of action with Peterborough’s Steve Lampier (Velosure Giordana RT) repeating his 2013 victory at the expense of under-23 Alex Peters (Madison Genesis).

There was less than a wheel between the pair on the line with Simon Alexander (Richardsons Trek) leading in a stretched-out bunch around 25 seconds later.

The meeting was the first of three promoted by Eagle Road Club, the coming weekend’s programme including the first round of the London Women’s League.

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